Applicator end piece for cosmetic product, associated applicator and applicator assembly

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an applicator end piece (1) for applying a cosmetic product, which extends along a longitudinal extension direction (X), known as the main direction (X), and comprises: an external shell (3) having an external surface and an internal surface, the external surface defining at least one application part, the internal surface delimiting a cavity (5); a central element (7) disposed inside the cavity (5), in at least one position, the internal surface (3i) of the external shell (3) being at a distance from the central element (7) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal direction so as to define a free space enclosing the central element (7).

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an applicator end piece for cosmetic product, an applicator and an associated applicator assembly. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an applicator end piece.

BACKGROUND

Applicator assemblies for cosmetic products are known, for example for cosmetic products intended to be applied to the lips of a user. Said applicator assemblies comprise a container containing the cosmetic product and an applicator adapted to be removably attached to the container.

The container generally comprises a body, the body comprising walls defining a reservoir in which the cosmetic product is contained, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic product can be removed. The applicator generally comprises a cap adapted to be attached to the neck, a rod extending from the cap and an applicator end piece attached to a free end of the rod.

When the cap is attached to the neck, the rod and the applicator end piece extend inside the reservoir. The applicator is immersed in the cosmetic product contained in the reservoir.

To use the applicator, the user removes the cap from the neck and extracts the applicator from the container.

The known applicator end pieces generally have a spatula-shaped area intended to come into contact with the part to be made up, in particular to load them with cosmetic product. However, the spatula-shaped area usually only allows for a local application of cosmetic product, for example, to one lip at a time. The spatula has also a not very comfortable rigidity when a pressure is applied to the part to be made up.

The present invention aims to provide an applicator end piece allowing to make-up a large area of a user, for example both lips, in a single application, while maintaining a comfort of use during the make-up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an applicator end piece for cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called principal direction, and comprising:

-   -   an external shell having an external surface and an internal         surface, the external surface defining at least one application         part, the internal surface delimiting a cavity,     -   a central element arranged inside the cavity, in at least one         position, the internal surface of the external shell is spaced         from the central element in a direction orthogonal to the         longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal         direction so as to define a free space enclosing the central         element.

“Enclose” means to surround completely. In other words, the central element is surrounded by the free space.

The free space in the central cavity allows to form a reservoir volume of cosmetic product. This makes it possible to apply the cosmetic product to a large area, such as the lips, in a single application.

Moreover, the free space allows to bring suppleness and flexibility to the external shell which is however limited by the presence of the central element so as to bring a comfort of use during the make-up.

According to various embodiments, which may be taken together or separately:

-   -   the central element is arranged entirely inside the cavity,     -   the external shell comprises at least one orifice,     -   the free space enclosing the central element allows a movement         of the external shell relative to the central element,     -   the movement of the external shell causes the cosmetic product         to enter and/or exit through the at least one orifice,     -   the at least one orifice is at least one longitudinal slot,     -   the at least one orifice is at least one circular orifice,     -   the external shell comprises a plurality of orifices,     -   the plurality of orifices comprises longitudinal slots,     -   the plurality of orifices comprises circular orifices,     -   the longitudinal slots are parallel to the principal direction,     -   the longitudinal slots are helically wound,     -   the plurality of orifices have different sized opening         cross-sections,     -   the size of the opening cross-section of the slots is greater         than the size of the opening cross-section of the circular         orifices,     -   the at least one application part comprises a first application         area extending along the principal direction from a proximal end         to an intermediate position and a second application area         extending along the principal direction from the intermediate         position to a distal end,     -   the at least one orifice is arranged at the level of the first         application area,     -   the second application area further comprises at least one         orifice with an opening cross-section of a smaller size than the         size of the opening cross-section of the orifices of the first         application area,     -   the orifices of the first application area are longitudinal         slots,     -   the orifices of the second application area are circular         orifices,     -   the central element is in material connection with the external         shell at the level of the distal end or at the level of the         proximal end,     -   the cavity has a shape complementary to the shape of the         external shell,     -   the central element has a shape complementary to the shape of         the external shell,     -   the central element has a shape complementary to the shape of         the cavity,     -   the at least one application part is textured,     -   the applicator end piece is a monolithic piece,     -   the applicator end piece is a piece obtained without assembly,     -   the applicator end piece is a piece obtained by additive         manufacturing.

The invention also relates to an applicator comprising an applicator end piece as described above and a handling rod.

Advantageously:

-   -   the rod is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a diameter         D,     -   the application part has a maximum external diameter d3,     -   the two diameters D, d3 are related by the following formula:

0.9≤d3/D≤4,

-   -   the rod comprises a principal direction of longitudinal         extension coincident with the principal direction of the         applicator.

The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising:

-   -   a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to         contain the cosmetic product, and     -   an applicator end piece as described above adapted to be         attached to the container, so that the applicator end piece is         housed inside the reservoir.

According to various embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately:

-   -   said container comprises an opening adapted to cooperate with a         closure cap,     -   said closure cap is linked to said handling rod of the         applicator end piece,     -   said opening is a neck through which the cosmetic product can be         extracted,     -   the container further comprises a wiperwiper, attached to the         inside of said opening,     -   the wiper comprises a wiping orifice configured to scrape the         excess cosmetic product from the application part,     -   the diameter of the wiping orifice is approximately the same as         the diameter of the handling rod.

The invention further relates to the applicator assembly, the container of which is filled with cosmetic product. Advantageously, the cosmetic product is viscous, pasty or liquid. Preferably, the product is intended for making up the lips of a user.

The invention finally relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator end piece for applying cosmetic product as described above.

The method comprises:

-   -   a step of elaborating a digital model of the applicator end         piece;     -   a step of manufacturing the applicator by means of the digital         model.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference is made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an applicator end piece according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator end piece of FIG. 1 in a first position of use;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator end piece of FIG. 1 in a second position of use;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an applicator end piece according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an applicator end piece according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an applicator end piece according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an applicator end piece according to the invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an applicator end piece according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator end piece of FIG. 13 in a first position of use;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator end piece of FIG. 13 in a second position of use;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an applicator end piece according to the invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of an applicator end piece according to the invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an applicator assembly according to the invention comprising the applicator end piece of FIGS. 17 and 18;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the applicator assembly of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in the various figures, the invention relates to an applicator end piece 1 extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called principal direction X, from a proximal end 1 a to a distal end 1 b.

The applicator end piece 1 comprises:

-   -   an external shell 3 having an external surface 3 e and an         internal surface 3 i, the external surface 3 e defining at least         one application part, the internal surface 3 i delimiting a         cavity 5,     -   a central element 7 arranged inside the cavity 5,

According to the invention, in at least one position, the internal surface 3 i of the external shell 3 is at a distance do, dl from the central element 7 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal direction so as to define a free space enclosing the central element 7.

An “application part” is defined as a part of the applicator end piece 1 that is adapted to retain the cosmetic product when it is brought into contact with it, and subsequently releasing it.

On the other hand, the applicator end piece 1 comprises a sleeve 9. The sleeve 9 is intended to be assembled to a rod 11, here embedded in the rod 11, to form an applicator. The sleeve 9 extends from the proximal end 1 a of the application part 20 along said principal direction X in the opposite direction to that pointing to the distal end 1 b of the applicator end piece 1.

Advantageously, the central element 7 is arranged entirely inside the cavity 5. In other words, the central element 7 is circumscribed inside the cavity 5.

Advantageously, the central element 7 can be in material connection with the external shell 3. Preferably, the central element 7 is in material connection at the level of the distal end 1 b or at the level of the proximal end 1 a.

The central element 7 may also be in material connection with the rest of the external shell 3, for example by material bridges, so that this connection does not prevent a movement of the external shell 3 towards the central element 7 or away from the central element 7.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, the central element 7 may be without any connection with the external shell 3.

Advantageously, the external shell 3 is designed to hold the central element 7 inside the cavity 5.

Advantageously, the external shell 3 is formed of a thin material thickness, preferably between 0.3 and 1.5 mm. In other words, the external surface 3 e and the internal surface 3 i of the external shell 3 are spaced apart by 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

This small thickness provides a flexibility and suppleness to the external shell 3 which can be easily moved, crushed due to the free space enclosing the central element 7 as described below. The movement of the external shell 3 may be observed in particular when a pressure P is exerted on it, for example when the applicator end piece 1 passes through an opening (neck 29, wiper 31) of a container 33 or when it is applied to a surface to be made up.

Preferably, the external shell 3 comprises at least one orifice 19, 25, 27 so as to allow an entry and/or an exit of the cosmetic product therethrough. These entries and/or exits of cosmetic products are advantageously favored by the movement of the external shell 3 as explained below. The external shell 3 is compressed towards the central element 7 causing a pressure P on the cosmetic product contained in the cavity 5, causing its exit. This pressure P allows also to improve the distribution of the cosmetic product in the cavity 5.

Advantageously, the orifices 19, 25, 27 are sized such that the central element 7 cannot exit the cavity 5.

The cavity 5 thus serves as a reservoir for the cosmetic product which is returned to the applicator part by means of the at least one orifice 19, 25, 27.

Advantageously, the external shell 3 has an oblong shape, elongated along the principal direction X. Preferably, the external shell 3 has a cross-section of variable diameter, the maximum diameter d3 of which is located near the proximal end 1 a. This shape at the level of the proximal end 1 a allows for a large application surface area.

Preferably, the external shell 3 has a refined, in particular conical, distal end 1 b. This refined shape at the level of the distal end 1 b allows to provide a precision application surface and facilitates the insertion of the applicator end piece 1 into a container 33 containing the cosmetic product.

Advantageously, the central element 7 may have a generally variable shape.

In particular, the central element 7 may have a shape similar to the shape of the external shell 3, such as an oblong shape or may be spherical in shape.

Advantageously, the application part may comprise several different application areas 13, 15.

Preferably, the application part comprises a first application area 13 extending along the principal direction X from the proximal end 1 a of the applicator end piece 1 to an intermediate position 1 c and a second application area 15 extending along the principal direction X from the intermediate position 1 c to the distal end 1 b of the applicator end piece 1.

Each of the application areas 13, 15 may or may not comprise orifices 19, 25, 27, in particular orifices 19, 25, 27 of different sizes. This allows to have an applicator end piece 1 with application areas 13, 15 of different nature and thus able to offer a diversity of make-up effects.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of an applicator end piece 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

In this first embodiment, the applicator end piece 1, in particular the external shell 3, has a general flame shape in which a cross-section 1of the principal direction X is inscribed in a circle of varying diameter along the principal direction X and whose maximum diameter is d3.

The first application area 13 is generally spherical in shape (noted S in the figure). The radius of curvature is preferably between 2 and 8 mm.

The second application area 15 is generally conical in shape (noted C in FIG. 1), in particular conical with a rounded apex. Thus, the applicator end piece 1 has a lower portion in the vicinity of the sleeve 9 which is convex towards the outside and an opposite upper portion which is slightly concave towards the outside, the junction between the two portions being at the level of the maximum diameter d3.

This shape is also particularly suited to the shape of the lips and the applicator end piece 1 thus has a large application surface. In addition, this shape allows a simultaneous application to the upper lip and the lower lip. The pointed distal end 1 b allows a more meticulous and precise application of the cosmetic product on a less accessible surface, for example the corner of the lips or the outline of the lips. The spherical part allows to provide a large application surface area.

In this first embodiment, the external shell 3, the cavity 5 and the central element 7 are similar in shape. They each have a maximum diameter d3, d5, d7 at the level of the maximum diameter d3 of the external shell 3.

The central element 7 is in material connection with the external shell 3 at the level of the proximal end 1 a of the applicator end piece 1 by a connecting part 17. In other words, the central element 7 is in continuation of the sleeve 9 and extends towards the distal end 1 b of the applicator end piece 1. This connecting part 17 provides rigidity to the central element 7 which is thus stationary with respect to the sleeve 9.

The first application area 13 comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots 19 extending from the proximal end 1 a of the applicator end piece 1 towards the intermediate position 1 c parallel to the principal direction X. The slots 19 are oblong in shape and have a maximum transverse width at the level of the maximum diameter d3 of the external shell 3. The slots 19 are separated by strips 21 of material which extend from the proximal end 1 a of the applicator end piece 1 towards the intermediate position 1 c parallel to the principal direction X. These strips 21 are of constant width and form the external shell 3.

This first embodiment comprises six longitudinal slots 19 spaced apart by six strips 21 of material.

The second application area 15 has no orifice.

The slots 19 allow the restitution of the cosmetic product at the level of the first application area 13. Advantageously, the slots 19 extend to the second application area 15 and are sufficiently elongated to allow a distribution of the cosmetic product at the level of the second application area 15.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment of an applicator end piece 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the central element 7. The central element 7 is a sphere in connection with the external shell 3 at the level of the proximal end 1 a of the end piece. The central element 7 is thus located in the cavity 5 defined at the level of the first application area 13 leaving a substantial free space at the level of the second application area 15.

Advantageously, the central element 7 has a diameter designed so that there is a free space between the central element 7 and the internal surface 3 i of the external shell 3. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the central element 7 is between 1 and 6 mm.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a third embodiment of an applicator end piece 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the orientation of the longitudinal slots 19 at the level of the first application area 13.

The slots 19 here have a helical winding around the principal direction X. The helical winding allows to have orifices over the entire circumference of the applicator end piece 1 and thus a restitution of the product stored in the cavity 5 over the entire application surface.

The strips 21 of material between the slots 19 also have a width less than the width of the strips 21 of material of the first and second embodiments. The external shell 3 is thus more supple and has a greater flexibility when a pressure P is exerted to favor the cosmetic product to exit through the slots 19.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a fourth embodiment of an applicator end piece 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

This fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the shape of the central element 7.

As with the applicator end piece 1 of the second embodiment, the central element 7 is here a sphere in connection with the external shell 3 at the level of the proximal end 1 a of the end piece. The central element 7 is thus located in the cavity 5 defined at the level of the first application area 13. The connection to the external shell 3 is made by means of a narrow connecting part 17, in particular narrower than in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The cavity 5 thus has a larger volume, which increases the cosmetic product storage capacity of the applicator end piece 1.

In addition, the reduction of the cross-sectional area of the connecting part 17 allows to provide flexibility to the central element 7 and thus suppleness to the applicator end piece.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a fifth embodiment of an applicator end piece 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

This fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the central element 7 is connected to the external shell 3.

As in the fourth embodiment, the central element 7 is a sphere but this is connected to the external shell 3 at the level of the distal end 1 b. In other words, the central element 7 is in continuation of the distal end 1 b and extends into the cavity 5 towards the sleeve 9.

In order to stiffen the central element 7, the end piece does not have cavity 5 at the level of the second application area 15, in other words, the interior of this second application area 15 is solid. The cavity 5 is only located at the level of the first application area 13.

As in the third and fourth embodiments, the slots 19 helically wind around the principal direction X. They extend from the proximal end 1 a to the second application area 15. Thus, advantageously, the slots 19 are open in the cavity 5 located at the level of the first application area 13 and form channels 23 at the level of the second application area 15. Thus, the cosmetic product emerging from the slots 19 can be directed towards the second application area 15 by means of these slots 19. Cosmetic product is thus available at the level of both application areas 13, 15.

FIGS. 13 to 16 illustrate a sixth embodiment of an applicator end piece 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

This sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of orifices are provided at the level of the second application area 15.

The orifices of the second application area 15 are circular orifices 25 with a diameter preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm.

The circular orifices 25 are arranged in two radial rows. Each of the rows comprises six circular orifices 25. For better restitution over the entire surface of the second application area 15, the circular orifices 25 of one radial row are angularly offset with respect to the circular orifices 25 of the other radial row.

The slots 19 are also shorter than in the first embodiment and extend over only the first application area 13.

Advantageously, cosmetic product can be restituted at the level of both application areas 13, 15.

Furthermore, the circular orifices 25 of the second application area 15 are thus smaller in size than the orifices (slots 19) of the first application area 13. Depending on the area where the pressure P is applied, the amount of product restituted varies. Thus, it is possible to restitute a small amount of product by applying a pressure P at the level of the second application area 15 and a larger amount by applying a pressure P at the level of the first application area 13.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a seventh embodiment of an applicator end piece 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

This seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in the orientation of the longitudinal slots 19 at the level of the first application area 13.

As in the third embodiment, the slots 19 have a helical winding about the principal direction X.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an eighth embodiment of an applicator end piece 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

This eighth embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment by the shape of the orifices of the second application area 15, which are in the form of secondary slots 27, here six in number, which are smaller in size than the slots 19 of the first application area 13 so as to be able to regulate the quantity of cosmetic product restituted.

The secondary slots 27 extend longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the second application area 15 and have an inclination with respect to the principal direction X. The elongated shape of these secondary slots 27 allows for a restitution of cosmetic product over the entire surface of the second application area 15.

Two mechanisms of use will now be described.

The first mechanism of use is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 using the applicator end piece 1 of the first embodiment as an example. However, this mechanism is applicable to any applicator end piece 1 in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the applicator end piece 1 in a position in which no pressure is exerted on the external surface 3 e of the external shell 3. A free space is defined all around the central element 7 and encloses it, except at the level of the connecting part 17 between the external shell 3 and the central element 7. When a pressure P is exerted on the external surface 3 e of the external shell 3, the suppleness of the external shell 3 causes its movement. At the level of the pressure point, the external shell 3 moves closer to the central element 7, which remains stationary in relation to the sleeve 9, as can be seen in FIG. 3. In response, the area of the external shell 3 opposite the pressure point moves away from the central element 7. This movement causes the exit of the cosmetic product stored in the cavity 5 through the orifices (here slots 19) located at the level of the first application area 13. In this embodiment, the slots 19 are sufficiently elongated towards the distal end 1 b of the end piece so that the second application area 15 is also supplied with cosmetic product.

A more sustained pressure P causes the external shell 3 to move until the internal surface 3 i thereof is in contact with the central element 7 as seen in FIG. 4.

In this mechanism, the pressure P applied to the applicator end piece 1 is applied radially.

As will be explained in the second operating mechanism, it is possible to apply an axial pressure P, i.e. a pressure P at the level of the distal end 1 b of the end piece.

The second mechanism of use is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16 using the applicator end piece 1 of the sixth embodiment as an example. However, this mechanism is applicable to any applicator end piece 1 in accordance with the invention.

In this second mechanism, the pressure P is exerted at the level of the distal end 1 b and along the principal direction X.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the applicator end piece 1 in a position in which no pressure is exerted on the external surface 3 e of the external shell 3. A free space is defined all around the central element 7 and encloses it, except at the level of the connecting part 17 between the external shell 3 and the central element 7.

As can be seen in FIG. 15, a pressure P exerted at the level of the distal end 1 b of the applicator end piece 1 causes a displacement of the external shell 3. This movement is made possible by the flexibility of the external shell 3. The free space between the internal surface 3 i of the external shell 3 and the central element 7 is reduced when the pressure P is applied. In other words, the distance dl, do between the internal surface 3 i of the external shell 3 and the central element 7 decreases over the entire circumference of the end piece, in particular at the level of the second application area 15.

The movement continues until the internal surface 3 i of the external shell 3 and the central element 7, which is preferably substantially stationary with respect to the sleeve 9, come into contact, as can be seen in FIG. 16. In this position, the entire free space at the level of the second application area 15 has almost disappeared.

This pressure P is particularly advantageous for causing the cosmetic product to emerge through the orifices 25, 27 at the level of the second application area 15.

Both mechanisms of use can be combined.

Advantageously, the applicator end piece 1 is a single monolithic piece obtained without assembly. In other words, the applicator end piece 1 is not obtained by assembly.

Assembly is understood here as the fact of putting together, joining at least two isolated elements, but does not exclude the possibility of several steps.

Preferably, the applicator end piece 1 described above is obtained by an additive manufacturing method.

Additive manufacturing method means a manufacturing method by adding material, generally computer assisted. Such a manufacturing method is also called three-dimensional printing or 3D printing.

Advantageously, the use of three-dimensional printing can allow to carry out in a single step of a one-piece, material-continuous applicator end piece 1 comprising an external shell 3 and a central element 7. Such an applicator end piece 1 could be very complex or even impossible to obtain, in particular in one piece, by a conventional injection molding method. The applicator end piece 1 can thus be produced directly and in a single manufacturing operation. In addition, this technique allows to eliminate the need for complex molds.

Alternatively, it may be envisaged that the three-dimensional printing is used to form the applicator end piece 1 with the sleeve 9 and/or the rod 11.

Various additive manufacturing technologies known to the person skilled in the art can be used. In particular, this may include:

-   -   fused deposition modeling (FDM),     -   selective laser melting (SLM),     -   selective laser sintering (SLS),     -   electron beam melting (EBM),     -   stereolithography or photopolymerization (SLA for         Stereolithography Apparatus), or     -   laminated object manufacturing (LOM).

Preferably, these are sintering and/or stereolithography technologies.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator end piece 1 as described above. The method comprises:

-   -   a step of elaborating a digital model of the applicator end         piece 1;     -   a step of manufacturing the applicator end piece 1 by means of         the digital model.

The digital model is a computer file that corresponds to a virtual model of the applicator end piece 1. To obtain this, the applicator end piece 1 is first modeled to obtain a CAD model which is then converted into a suitable format such as an .STL file. The file is then processed on an additive manufacturing machine. When the digital model is read, it is divided into a number of layers depending on the desired accuracy. Preferably, the layers correspond to a cross-sectional are of the applicator end piece 1, i.e., a cross-section of the applicator end piece 1 taken in a plane perpendicular to the principal direction X.

The suitable materials for manufacturing the applicator end piece 1 by three-dimensional printing are polyamides, light-sensitive resins, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP).

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate an applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a container 33 comprising a body 35 forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator comprising an applicator end piece 1 such as that of the seventh embodiment described above. The applicator is adapted to be attached to the container 33, such that the applicator end piece 1 is housed inside the reservoir. It is thus immersed in the cosmetic product marked 37 on FIG. 21.

FIG. 21 also illustrates the sleeve 9 assembled with the rod 11 of the applicator, called handling rod 11.

The rod 11 allows, among other things, a handling of said applicator end piece 1. More specifically, the applicator comprises a closure cap 39 adapted to be manipulated by the user and the rod 11 advantageously extends from the cap 39.

It is to be noted, here, that the cap 39 is formed of a head 41 made of material with the rod 11, and of a cover 43 force-fitted and held in position on the head 41 of the rod 11 by means of internal counter-forms intended to cooperate with shapes made on the head 41. The cover 43 is rigid. “Rigid” means not deformable either by atmospheric pressure or by pressure exerted by the fingers of a user. It is with the aid of said cover 43 that the user manipulates the applicator of the invention, in particular because the cover 43 imparts the movement that the user gives it to the head 41 of the rod 11, which itself transmits this movement to the sleeve 9 with which it is assembled.

The cap 39 is intended to be removably attached to an opening belonging to the container 33. Said opening is here the neck 29 through which the cosmetic product can be extracted.

It should be noted that the sleeve 9 and the rod 11 each have a substantially cylindrical shape and a principal direction of longitudinal extension coincident with the principal direction X.

It should also be noted that the assembly between the sleeve 9 and the rod 11 is an embedding. Alternatively, the applicator end piece 1 may be over-molded onto or through the rod 11 or obtained in one single piece, for example by additive manufacturing.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the applicator assembly of FIG. 21. FIG. 22 illustrates the container 33 in detail. In particular, the container 33 comprises the wiper 31, which is intended to be attached to the inside of said neck 29.

It is also visible, in FIG. 22, that the wiper 31 comprises a wiping orifice 45 configured to scrape the excess cosmetic product off the rod 11 and the applicator end piece 1 as the latter pass through it.

Advantageously, the wiping orifice 45 is cylindrical in shape; this choice is not limiting and any other shape of orifice 45 may be chosen for the wiper 31 without leaving the scope of the invention. The diameter d45 of said wiping orifice will advantageously be chosen in relation to the diameter D of the rod 11 and the maximum diameter d3 of the applicator end piece 1, from which it scrapes off the surplus of product carried on board.

It should also be noted that the diameter d45 of the wiping orifice 45 may be substantially the same as the diameter d3 of the applicator end piece 1. This has the advantage that the product is scraped off the applicator end piece 1 only slightly.

Since the external shell 3 is supple and flexible, it is possible that the diameter d45 of the wiping orifice 45 is slightly smaller than the diameter d3 of the applicator end piece 1. This has the advantage of distributing the cosmetic product stored in the cavity and eliminating any excess stored in the cavity 5.

Thus, in addition to having a large application surface area, the applicator assembly is designed such that the wiping out of the applicator end piece 1 is optimized when removed from the container 33. In other words, the quantity of cosmetic product that the applicator end piece 1 is able to take on board is optimized by the wiper 31 through which it passes when it is extracted from said container 33.

Advantageously, the applicator assembly 31 may be obtained in whole or in part by three-dimensional printing.

To achieve further advantageous effects, the embodiments may be combined without leaving the scope of the invention. 

1. An applicator end piece for cosmetic product extending along a principal direction comprising a longitudinal extension direction, and comprising: an external shell having an external surface and an internal surface, the external surface defining at least one application part, the internal surface delimiting a cavity, a central element arranged inside the cavity, in at least one position, the internal surface of the external shell is spaced from the central element in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal direction so as to define a free space enclosing the central element.
 2. The applicator end piece according to the claim 1, wherein the central element is arranged entirely inside the cavity.
 3. The applicator end piece according to claim 1, wherein the external shell comprises at least one orifice, the free space enclosing the central element allows a movement of the external shell relative to the central element, the movement of the external shell causing the cosmetic product to enter and/or exit through the at least one orifice.
 4. The applicator end piece according to claim 1, wherein the external shell comprises a plurality of orifices.
 5. The applicator end piece according to claim 3, wherein the at least one application part comprises a first application area extending along the principal direction from a proximal end to an intermediate position and a second application area extending along the principal direction from the intermediate position to a distal end, the at least one orifice is arranged at the level of the first application area.
 6. The applicator end piece according to claim 5, wherein the second application area further comprises at least one orifice with an opening cross-section of a smaller size than the size of the opening cross-section of the orifices of the first application area.
 7. The applicator end piece according to claim 1, wherein the central element is in material connection with the external shell at the level of the distal end or at the level of the proximal end.
 8. The applicator end piece according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has a shape complementary to the shape of the external shell and/or the central element has a shape complementary to the shape of the external shell and/or the central element has a shape complementary to the shape of the cavity.
 9. The applicator end piece according to claim 1, wherein the at least one application part is textured.
 10. The applicator end piece according to claim 1, wherein the applicator end piece is a monolithic piece obtained without assembly and by additive manufacturing.
 11. The applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising: a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator end piece for applying the cosmetic product according to one of claims 1 to 10 adapted to be attached to the container, so that the applicator end piece is housed inside the reservoir.
 12. A method for manufacturing an applicator end piece for applying cosmetic product comprising an external shell having an external surface and an internal surface, the external surface defining at least one application part, the internal surface delimiting a cavity a central element arranged inside the cavity, in at least one position, the internal surface of the external shell is spaced from the central element in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal direction so as to define a free space enclosing the central element, the method comprising: elaborating a digital model of the applicator end piece; manufacturing the applicator end piece by means of the digital model. 